Two Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Horticulture students have received a Rabbit Valley Farmers Market Scholarship.

The scholarship has been awarded to Mary Sharay and Olin Yaoapoqa. Both are Horticulture students at the Floyd County Campus in Rome.

“We are excited to continue our support of GNTC’s Horticulture program and look forward to continuing our partnership,” said scholarship donor Samantha Leslie, executive director of the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market (RVFM) in downtown Ringgold. “We believe supporting our community, its youth and educational opportunities is the forefront of Rabbit Valley’s mission, and we look forward to expanding our support and partnerships in the future.”

The Rabbit Valley Farmers Market Scholarship was established to provide financial support to incoming high school students and first-year GNTC students pursuing a degree, diploma or certificate. Scholarship applicants must be planning a career related to farming, gardening, landscape design, environmental issues, floral design or horticulture.

“Support from the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market enables our horticulture students to achieve their educational goals,” said Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. “RVFM is a wonderful partner of the college, and we are deeply grateful.”

The Rabbit Valley Farmers Market is open on Saturdays during the spring and summer season in the pavilion across from the historic Ringgold Depot. Local vendors sell produce, meats, cheeses, soaps, candles, bread, homemade goods and more, Leslie said. 

Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.